System, method, and apparatus for an integrated antenna and satellite dish

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for an integrated antenna and satellite dish. Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish, a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling box communicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna. Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method, including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wireless signal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal and the wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wireless signal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on the satellite signal and wireless signal. Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system, including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, a wireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and a coupling box for processing the content from the satellite and the content from the wireless network.

BACKGROUND

This is a continuation application of U.S. Non-provisional applicationSer. No. 12/120,951 filed May 15, 2008, the contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

Exemplary embodiments relate generally to telecommunications, and moreparticularly, to systems, methods, and an apparatus for an integratedantenna and satellite dish.

Currently, direct to home satellite services implement a wired telephoneconnection for upstream capability, which requires that the subscriberof the satellite service also has landline telephone service and a jacknear the satellite box. In addition, satellite networks, particularlyvideo networks, are primarily one-way systems. Thus, two separatenetworks are required for downstream and upstream capability.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments include an apparatus, including a satellite dish,a wireless antenna coupled to the satellite dish and a coupling boxcommunicatively coupled to the satellite dish and the wireless antenna.

Additional exemplary embodiments include a content communication method,including receiving a satellite signal, receiving a first wirelesssignal, performing coupling box processing on the satellite signal andthe wireless signal, transmitting the satellite signal and the wirelesssignal to a set top box and performing set top box processing on thesatellite signal and wireless signal.

Further exemplary embodiments include a content communication system,including a satellite dish for receiving content from a satellite, awireless antenna for receiving content from a wireless network and acoupling box for processing the content from the satellite and thecontent from the wireless network.

Other systems and methods according to embodiments will be or becomeapparent to one with skill in the art upon review of the followingdrawings and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional systems and methods be included within this description, bewithin the scope of the exemplary embodiments, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alikein the several FIGURES:

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary integrated antennaand satellite dish system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary integrated antennaand satellite dish apparatus;

FIG. 3 illustrates flow chart of a method implementing an integratedantenna and satellite dish apparatus in accordance with exemplaryembodiments; and

FIG. 4 illustrates an installation method in accordance with exemplaryembodiments.

The detailed description explains the exemplary embodiments, togetherwith advantages and features, by way of example with reference to thedrawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments include systems, methods, and apparatus for anintegrated antenna and satellite dish. In exemplary embodiments, amultiplexing apparatus is implemented to integrate the signal from atleast one terrestrial antenna with at least one satellite receiver fortransmission to a set top box. Exemplary embodiments include a frequencyshifting multiplexer that is stand alone or integrated into thesatellite dish, which allows one coaxial cable or some other similarcommunication facility, such as fiber or wireless, to be used forlinking at least two antennas from a remote location, such as, the roofto the set-top box, for example. It is appreciated that by having aterrestrial antenna positioned adjacent to a satellite dish one cansubstantially improve the signal strength and performance of theterrestrial system (e.g., cellular, wifi, WiMax, etc.) because it ishigher from ground level, and outdoors vis-à-vis indoor operation of thesame terrestrial radio system. In exemplary embodiments, an antenna canbe positioned adjacent a subscriber set-top box, in which a signalbooster may be implemented if this approach provides sufficient signallevel for proper operation. It is appreciated that the systems andmethods described herein can be implemented to retrofit existingsatellite systems, or can be installed as new installs with anintegrated satellite dish and antenna.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a block diagram of an exemplary integratedantenna and satellite dish system 100 is now described. For ease ofillustration, the system of FIG. 1 depicts a simplified networkinfrastructure. It is understood that a variety of networkcomponents/nodes may be utilized in implementing the embodimentsdescribed herein. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the system 100includes a means for accessing network services for multiple disparatedevices using a single sign on procedure. Therefore, the system 100manages accounts, each of which is established for a community ofdevices and/or device subscribers, such as those devices and subscribersin a subscriber location 105, which may include a communications device110 (e.g., a television) coupled to a set top box 115. The accounts maythus include phone, network access and satellite services and may beused to provide access to services associated with exemplary embodimentsof the integrated antenna and satellite dish. Furthermore, in exemplaryembodiments, one of the devices can be provisioned for the integratedantenna and satellite dish services described herein by associating adevice identifier of the communications device with a respectiveaccount. According to exemplary embodiments, the account, in turn,identifies each of the communications devices belonging to the communityand provides other information as described herein.

It is appreciated to those skilled in the art that the networksdiscussed herein may include circuit-switched and/or packet-switchedtechnologies and devices, such as routers, switches, and/or hubs, forfacilitating communications between various types of communicationsdevices such as the communications device 110. Other networks mayinclude wireline and/or wireless components utilizing, e.g., 802.11standards for providing over-the-air transmissions of communications.

As discussed above, the system 100 of FIG. 1 includes the subscriberlocation 105, such as the subscriber's household. The subscriberlocation 105 can include the communications device 110 in communicationwith the set top box 115. In exemplary embodiments, the set top box is adevice that connects to the communications device 110 and some externalsource of signal, and turns the signal into content, which is thendisplayed on the screen. In other exemplary embodiments thecommunications device 110 is an access point device for other devices inthe home or location to utilize the communications paths provided by theantenna and satellite dish. The signal source can be a satellite dish(discussed herein), an Ethernet cable, a coaxial cable, fiber, wireless,a telephone line (including DSL connections), Broadband over Power Line,and an ordinary VHF or UHF antenna. In exemplary embodiments, thecontent can include any or all of video, audio, Internet webpages,interactive games, or other types of multi-media content. The subscriberlocation 105 can further include a remote control 120 for control of thecommunications device 110. The subscriber location 105 can furtherinclude a subscriber computer 125 for communication with one or morenetworks such as a network 130 (e.g., the Internet).

In exemplary embodiments, the subscriber location 105 can furtherinclude a satellite dish 135 communicatively coupled to the set top box115. An antenna 140 configured to receive wireless signals can also becommunicatively coupled to the set top box 115. In exemplaryembodiments, a coupling box 145 can be connected between the set top box115 and the satellite dish 135, and further between the set top box 115and the antenna 140. In exemplary embodiments, power may be suppliedfrom the set top box 115 to the coupling box via a link 146. Inexemplary embodiments, as further described herein, communicationbetween the set top box 115 and the coupling box 145 may be directions(e.g., video down from the satellite dish 135 and communication up fromthe set top box 115 to a Wi-Fi antenna.)

In exemplary embodiments, the system 100 can implement a direct to home(DTH) satellite system, in which programming is received in thesubscriber location 105 via a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) provider.A content provider 150 that is coupled to a content provider server 151and a content database 152 can select programming to broadcast to thesubscriber location 105 as described herein. The system 100 can furtherinclude a broadcast center 155, which is a central hub for the DTHsatellite system. The content provider 150 receives signals from variousprogramming sources, such as from the network 130, and transmits abroadcast signal A to satellites such as a satellite 153 ingeostationary orbit, which in turn transmits the content to thebroadcast center 155 via broadcast signal B. The broadcast center 155can in turn transmit a broadcast signal C to another satellite 156. Thesatellite 156 can then rebroadcast the content via a broadcast signal Dto ground locations for reception at receivers such as the satellitedish 135. The subscriber's satellite dish 135 picks up the broadcastsignal D from the satellite 156 (or multiple satellites in the same partof the sky) and passes the signal to the set top box or other type ofdevice which provides at least one function of access control, signalconversion or information processing 115 in the subscriber location 105.In exemplary embodiments, the broadcast signal can first undergoprocessing such as in the coupling box 145 as further described here.The set top box 115 further processes the broadcast signal D and passesthe broadcast signal D to the communications device 110 (e.g., astandard television). In exemplary embodiments, the set top box 115 canfurther control how the coupling box 145 routes signals to and frommultiple antennas.

In exemplary embodiments, DBS providers receive programming fromnational turnaround channels and various local channels. Many turnaroundchannels also provide programming for cable television, and the localchannels typically broadcast their programming over the airwaves.Turnaround channels can have a distribution center that beams theirprogramming to a geostationary satellite. The broadcast center useslarge satellite dishes to pick up these analog and digital signals fromseveral sources. Many local stations do not transmit their programmingto satellites, but rather receive local signals directly from thebroadcaster through fiber-optic cable or an antenna and then transmitthem to the central broadcast center 155. The broadcast center 155converts all of this programming into a high-quality, uncompresseddigital stream. At this point, the stream contains a vast quantity ofdata—about 270 megabits per second (Mbps) for each channel. Prior totransmitting the broadcast signal C, the broadcast center can compressthe signal for transmission.)

In exemplary embodiments, as described above, the satellite dish 135 canbe integrated with the antenna 140. In exemplary embodiments, theantenna 140 can be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals(e.g., cellular, wifi, WiMax, etc.). For illustrative purposes, theantenna 140 is described as a cellular antenna. As such, the system 100can further include a wireless base station/cell tower 160. In furtherexemplary embodiments, a global system for mobile communications (GSM)network 170 or other mobile communications network can be incommunication with a call control network [including emerging IP and IPbased systems such as IMS for implementing wireless communications viathe wireless base station/cell tower 160 to the set top box 115 via theantenna 140. Those skilled in the art also appreciate that the GSMnetwork 170 is in further communication with a mobile switching center(MSC) 172, which is responsible for routing incoming and outgoing callswithin the GSM network 170 or to and from the network 180 or to and fromother wireless networks. The MSC 172 queries a home location register(HLR) 173, which provides the administrative information required toauthenticate, register and locate wireless devices. In exemplaryembodiments, the set top box 115 in combination with the antenna 140 canbe considered a wireless device for which the MSC 172 can query the HLR173 for providing the administrative information required toauthenticate, register and locate the set top box 115 and antenna 140combination. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless base station/celltower 160 can incorporate a femto cell (or Access Point Base Station),which is a scalable, multi-channel two-way communication device thatextends the wireless base station/cell tower 160.

Therefore, the set top box 115 (which can include a subscriber identitymodule (SIM) card) can be in communication with the wireless basestation/cellular tower 160, and thus in communication with the contentprovider 150 and/or the central broadcast center 155 via the GSM network170, and the network 180. It is therefore appreciated that the set topbox 115 can be in communication with the content provider 150 and/orcentral broadcast center 155 for various back channel controlinformation, user selections, viewing information, updating of channelselection directories, transmitting pay channel stored in the set topbox 115 or any other communication that is currently implemented viatelephone lines. In exemplary embodiments, a cellular connection can beimplemented to create a virtual private network (VPN) or other securenetwork path between the subscriber location 105 and the contentprovider 150. It is further appreciated that if the subscriber moves thesubscriber location, the subscriber need not contact any local telephonecompany to hook up service necessary to connect to the set top box 115when using phone lines. In exemplary embodiments, the set top box 115and antenna combination can “roam” to different locations and stillretain service without having to contact the cellular service provider.

In exemplary embodiments, the set top box 115 can be configured to be asatellite receiver for signals received in the satellite dish 135 and awireless transmitter/receiver for the antenna 140 as discussed above andfurther herein. In exemplary embodiments, as discussed further herein,the set top box 115 can further be configured to be a router or wirelessrouter to link other devices in the subscriber location, for example,the subscriber computer 125 for communication via the antenna 140 or viathe network 130.

In exemplary embodiments, the set top box can therefore de-scramble thebroadcast signal D. In exemplary embodiments, in order to unlock thesignal, the set top box 115 can include a decoder chip for a programmingpackage provided by the content provider 150. The content provider 150can communicate with the chip, via the satellite signal, to makenecessary adjustments to its decoding programs. The content provider 150can occasionally send various signals either via the satellite dish 135or the antenna 140 for various services such as disrupting illegalde-scramblers, updating channel information and subscription services.The set top box 115 can further convert the signal D to a format thatthe communications device 110 can support. For example, the broadcastsignal is sent as a digital signal that may need conversion to an analogNTSC format or HDTV signal. The set top box 115 can further extractindividual channels from the larger bundled broadcast signal D. Asdescribed above, the set top box 115 can further keep track of paidchannels and periodically phones the content provider 150 via theantenna 140 to communicate billing information. The set top box 115 canfurther pick up programming schedule signals from the content provider150 and present this information in an onscreen programming guide (e.g.,an electronic programming guide (EPG)).

In exemplary embodiments, the set top box 115 can include a digitalvideo recorder that includes a storage media. In exemplary embodiments,the DVR can be hard-disk based, but may have other suitable storagemedia such as a cache. It is appreciated that the DVR can have othersuitable memory devices for receiving and storing programming andscheduling data. Therefore, a “memory” or “recording medium” can be anymeans that contains, stores, communicates, propagates, or transports theprogram and/or data for use by or in conjunction with an instructionexecution system, apparatus or device. The memory and the recordingmedium can be, but are not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical,electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, apparatus or device.The memory and recording medium also include, but is not limited to, forexample the following: a portable computer diskette, a random accessmemory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmableread-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), and a portable compact diskread-only memory or another suitable medium upon which a program and/ordata may be stored. It is appreciated that the DVR may be local on theset top box 115 (as described), or networked, or on an allocated mediaserver storage space.

In exemplary embodiments, the coupling box 145 is configured to receiveand multiplex both the signal from the satellite dish 135 and the signalfrom the antenna 140. As such, a line that connects the coupling box 145to the set top box 115 (e.g., a coaxial cable) carries a signalcontaining the multiplexed satellite dish 135 signal and the antenna 140signal. Therefore, the set top box 115 is further configured to receiveseparate incoming multiplexed signals for separate processing. Inexemplary embodiments, signals outgoing from the set top box 115 includesignals for transmission over the antenna 140 when the satellite dish135 is configured to only receive satellite signals, such as thebroadcast signal D. In other exemplary embodiments, when the satellitedish 135 is configured to also transmit signals, the set top box 115 canbe configured to multiplex signals for transmission over both thesatellite dish 135 and the antenna 140, the multiplexed signal beingdecoupled at the coupling box 145 for separate transmission over fromthe satellite dish 135 and the antenna 140. In exemplary embodiments,the coupling box 145 can implement multiplexing via various multiplexingschemes including but not limited to: OFDMA, CDMA, TDMA, or others

In exemplary embodiments, the coupling box 145 can be configured to downconvert the frequency of the signals received by both the satellite dish135 and the antenna 140. Those skilled in the art appreciate that thesatellite signals are often broadcast in a range (e.g., 12-14 GHz) thatmay result in loss and noise when transmitted down coaxial cablesconnected to satellite dishes such as the satellite dish 135. As such,when the satellite signal is received, it is down-converted to a rangesuitable for transmission in the cable (e.g., ˜100 MHz). Furthermore, itis appreciated that wireless signals have a variety of frequencies. Forexample, cellular signals are broadcast in the range of about 850-900MHz.

Future wireless networks may operate in radio bands above or below thisfrequency, and the exact multiplexing arrangement will depend on theband used, as well as the frequency to which the satellite signal isdownconverted. Also, the terrestrial systems described herein mayinclude multi-band devices which are capable of operation on severalbands, and which select a particular band for operation based onavailability and service provider preference. For example, theterrestrial signal might be received at 2.5 GHz, and be down convertedto 50 MHz, while the satellite receiver downconverts signals to a rangebetween 100 and 1000 MHz. Alternately, the terrestrial system couldoperate at 700 MHz and be upconverted to 2.5 GHz for processing by theset-top box. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the selectionof exact frequencies for up and down conversion is based on FCCfrequency allocations, system design, and component cost optimization,and that the particular selected frequencies do not present limitationson exemplary embodiments.

In exemplary embodiments, the signals received by the antenna 140 canalso be down-converted. However, it is appreciated that thedown-conversion associated with the received wireless signals may not beas great as the down-conversion associated with the satellite signal.Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the satellite signal may bedown-converted to about 900 MHz therefore requiring no down-conversionof the exemplary cellular signal received at the antenna 140. Thesignals can therefore be multiplexed and transmitted at 900 MHz to theset top box 115. In exemplary embodiments, the coupling box 145 canperform other processing on the received signals such as amplificationand filtering. In exemplary embodiments, it is appreciated that theremay be one or more available channels for transmitting the multiplexedsignal between the coupling box 145 and the set top box 115. As such,the set top box 115 is further configured to identify the proper channelto uplink to receive the multiplexed signal.

In exemplary embodiments, as discussed above, the set top box 115 can befurther configured to be a router or wireless router for other networkcapable devices in the subscriber location 105, such as the subscribercomputer 125. As such, the set top box 115 can be directly connected tothe network 130 and to the other devices in the subscriber location. Inexemplary embodiments, the set top box 115 can share and transmitcontent received from the satellite dish 135 to devices in thesubscriber location 105.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary integrated antennaand satellite dish apparatus 200. The satellite dish 135 and the antenna140 illustrated in FIG. 1 are shown as separate components coupled toone another via the coupling box 145. It is appreciated that thesatellite dish 135, the antenna 140 and the coupling box 145 can beseparate components that are configured to be connected to one another.It is further appreciated that the satellite dish 135, the antenna 140and the coupling box 145 can be a single integrated apparatus, such asthe exemplary integrated antenna and satellite dish apparatus 200 as nowdescribed.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus 200 can include a centralsupport 205 onto which the components of the apparatus 200 are mounted.The apparatus can further include a satellite dish 210 mechanicallycoupled to the central support 205. Those skilled in the art appreciatethat a satellite dish, such as the satellite dish 210, is a kind ofantenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. A standarddish can include a parabolic (bowl-shaped) surface 211 and a centralfeed horn 212. To receive a signal 213 from a satellite, such as thesatellite 156, the signal 213 is received onto the surface 211 andreflected onto the central feed horn 212. It is appreciated that theparabolic shape of the satellite dish 211 allows the signal 213 to bereflected onto a single point of the central feed horn 212. In exemplaryembodiments, when the satellite dish 210 is configured to transmit, thecentral feed horn 212 can transmit a signal that is reflected on thesurface 211 and accordingly broadcast. The central feed horn 212 can bemounted on a support arm 215, which is mechanically coupled to thecentral support 205.

In exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further include a wirelesstransmitter/receiver 220 mechanically coupled to the central support205. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter/receiver 220 canbe configured to transmit and receive wireless signals (e.g., cellular,wifi, WiMax, etc.). The wireless transmitter/receiver 220 can include ahousing 221 including electronics for processing wireless signals, suchas cellular signals as described herein. The wirelesstransmitter/receiver 220 can further include an antenna 222 fortransmission and reception of the wireless signals. The wirelesstransmitter/receiver 220 can further include a signal strength indicator223. In exemplary embodiments, the signal strength indicator 223 caninclude “bars” similar to bars indicating signal strength on cellulartelephones. The signal strength indicator 223 can display signalstrength to a technician, for example, when installing the apparatus 200to indicate the strength of the wireless signal in the installationlocation. In exemplary embodiments, if the technician recognizes thatthe signal strength is not sufficient in the installation location, thetechnician can move the apparatus 200 to a different location, oralternatively add a signal booster or make other appropriateadjustments. In exemplary embodiments, the wireless transmitter/receiver220 can further include a power switch to power the wirelesstransmitter/receiver 220 on and off. For example, a service provider mayoffer services that include either a conventional phone line service, oras a premium service, a wireless service, with satellite televisionpackages. A subscriber at the subscriber location 105 may elect not tosubscribe to the premium service. As such, the switch 224, which caninclude a key lock for example, can be placed in an off position topower down the wireless transmitter/receiver 220. As such, thesubscriber would use a local telephone provider and implement aconventional phone line with the set top box 115.

In exemplary embodiments the central feed horn 212 of the satellite dish210 and the wireless transmitter/receiver 220 can be in communicationwith a coupling box 230. In exemplary embodiments, the central feed horn212 can be communicatively coupled to the coupling box 230 via anelectrical line 231. Similarly, the wireless transmitter/receiver 220can be communicatively coupled to the coupling box 230 via an electricalline 232. As described herein, the coupling box 230 is configured toreceive and multiplex both the signal from the central feed horn 212 andthe signal from the wireless transmitter/receiver 220. As such, a line235 that connects the coupling box 230 to the set top box 115 (e.g., acoaxial cable) carries a signal containing the multiplexed satellitedish 210 signal and wireless transmitter/receiver 220 signal. Therefore,the set top box 115 is further configured to separate incomingmultiplexed signals for separate processing. In exemplary embodiments,signals outgoing from the set top box 115 include signals fortransmission over the wireless transmitter/receiver 220 when thesatellite dish 210 is configured to only receive satellite signals. Inother exemplary embodiments, when the satellite dish 210 is configuredto also transmit signals, the set top box 115 can be configured tomultiplex signals for transmission over both the satellite dish 210 andthe wireless transmitter/receiver 220, the multiplexed signal beingdecoupled at the coupling box 230 for separate transmission over fromthe satellite dish 210 and the wireless transmitter/receiver 220.

In exemplary embodiments, the coupling box 230 can be configured todown-convert the frequency of the signals received by both the satellitedish 135 and the antenna 140. As described herein to prevent loss andnoise when signals are transmitted along the line 235, the frequency ofthe multiplexed signal can be down-converted. As such, when thesatellite signal is received, it is down-converted to a range suitablefor transmission in the cable (e.g., ˜100 MHz). In exemplaryembodiments, the signals received by the wireless transmitter/receiver220 can also be down-converted. As described herein, the satellitesignals and wireless signals can be down-converted and multiplexed andotherwise processed in a variety of ways. As described herein, it isappreciated that the down-conversion associated with the receivedwireless signals may not be as great as the down-conversion associatedwith the satellite signal. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, thesatellite signal may be down-converted to about 900 MHz thereforerequiring no down-conversion of the exemplary cellular signal receivedat the wireless transmitter/receiver 220. The signals can therefore bemultiplexed and transmitted at 900 MHz to the set top box 115. Inexemplary embodiments, the coupling box 220 can perform other processingon the received signals such as amplification and filtering. Inexemplary embodiments, it is appreciated that there may be one or moreavailable channels for transmitting the multiplexed signal between thecoupling box 220 and the set top box 115. As such, the set top box 115is further configured to identify the proper channel to uplink toreceive the multiplexed signal.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 implementing anintegrated antenna and satellite dish apparatus (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2) in accordance with exemplary embodiments. In exemplaryembodiments, signals can be sent to and from the subscriber location 105to a broadcast source (e.g., the content provider 150).

As described herein, signals can be received at the subscriber locationboth via a satellite dish such as the satellite dish 135 and a wirelessantenna, such as the antenna 140. As such, at block 305, satellitesignals can be received by the satellite dish 135 in accordance withexemplary embodiments as described herein. In addition, at block 310, awireless antenna at the subscriber location can receive wirelesssignals. As further described herein, in exemplary embodiments, at block315, a coupling box can perform processing on the received satellite andwireless signals. In exemplary embodiments, the signals can bemultiplexed at the coupling box. Furthermore, the signals can beamplified, filtered and down-converted in accordance with exemplaryembodiments, it is appreciated that other processing is contemplated inother exemplary embodiments. At block 320, the multiplexed signal istransmitted from the coupling box to the set top box 115. At block 325,the set top box can perform further processing in accordance withexemplary embodiments as described herein. As described herein, themultiplexed signal can be de-multiplexed to separate the satellitesignal from the wireless signal such that the signals can be properlyrouted to appropriate locations. For example, as described herein, theset top box is also a satellite receiver and can perform operations onthe satellite signal such as descrambling the signal.

In exemplary embodiments, signals can also be transmitted from thesubscriber location 105. As described herein, signals can be transmittedfrom the wireless antenna 140. As such, at block 330, the wirelessantenna 140 can transmit wireless signals to a broadcast source, such asthe content provider 150. For example, the set top box 115 may bepreconfigured to periodically transmit billing information that isrelated to pay programs associated with the subscriber's televisionpackage. It is appreciated that conventionally, this information istransmitted via phone line. In exemplary embodiments, the information istransmitted wirelessly via a wireless antenna, such as the wirelessantenna 140. It appreciated that conventional DBS systems include aone-way satellite dish in which data is received and not transmitted.For information that is transmitted from the subscriber location,conventional wireline systems are implemented. As described herein, inaccordance with exemplary embodiments, the information is transmittedwirelessly. However, it is appreciated that the satellite dishapparatuses described herein can also implement two-way satellite dishesin which information can be received and transmitted via the satellitedish.

As described above, the systems and methods described herein can beimplemented to retrofit or make a new installation. Regardless of thetype of installation, FIG. 4 illustrates an installation method 400 inaccordance with exemplary embodiments. At block 405, a satellitereceiver such as the satellite dish 210 is installed. At block 410, aninstaller can verify satellite reception. At block 415, the installercan install the wireless antenna 220 and verify reception. At block 420,the installer can connect the wireless antenna 220 and the satellitedish 210 to the coupling box 230. At block 425, the installer canperform set top box 115 communications testing to ensure that thecommunications links are operational. At block 430, the installer and/oruser can set communications preferences.

As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be in the form ofcomputer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing thoseprocesses, such as on the set top box 115. The exemplary embodiments canalso be in the form of computer program code containing instructionsembodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, harddrives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when thecomputer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the exemplary embodiments.The exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computer programcode, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded intoand/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmissionmedium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted oversome transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling,through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, whenthe computer program code is loaded into an executed by a computer, thecomputer becomes an apparatus for practicing the exemplary embodiments.When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computerprogram code segments configure the microprocessor to create specificlogic circuits.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying outthis invention, but that the invention will include all embodimentsfalling within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the use of the termsfirst, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but ratherthe terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element fromanother. Furthermore, the use of the terms a, an, etc. do not denote alimitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least oneof the referenced item.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a coupling box communicatively coupled to asatellite dish and a cellular antenna, the coupling box receives asatellite signal from the satellite dish and a cellular communicationsignal from the cellular antenna; the coupling box multiplexes both thesatellite signal and the cellular communication signal to generate amultiplexed signal comprising both the satellite signal and the cellularcommunication signal; the coupling box amplifies the multiplexed signal;the coupling box transmits the multiplexed signal comprising thesatellite signal and the cellular communication signal to a set top box;the coupling box receives, from the set top box, a return set top boxmultiplexed signal comprising a return satellite signal and a returncellular communication signal; and the coupling box decouples the returnset top box multiplexed signal into a decoupled signal separated intothe return satellite signal and the return cellular communication signalfor separate transmission over the satellite dish and the cellularantenna.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling boxdetermines a proper channel for transmitting the multiplexed signal. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling box performsdown-converting of a frequency of the satellite signal and a frequencyof the cellular communication signal.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the cellular antenna communicatively coupled to the coupling boxprovides telephone service while the satellite dish provides televisionservice both of which are via the set top box.
 5. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the coupling box transmits the multiplexed signal comprisingboth the satellite signal and the cellular communication signal to theset top box for de-multiplexing the multiplexed signal, the satellitesignal of the multiplexed signal being de-multiplexed to comprisetelevision programming.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, whereincommunications between the coupling box and the set top box arebidirectional on a link.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the settop box transmits the return cellular communications signal for cellularcommunications to a content service provider via the cellular antenna.8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coupling box receives billinginformation from the set top box for transmission over the cellularantenna.
 9. A content communication method, comprising: receiving, by acoupling box communicatively coupled to a satellite dish and a cellularantenna, a satellite signal from the satellite dish and a cellularcommunication signal from the cellular antenna; multiplexing both thesatellite signal and the cellular communication signal to generate amultiplexed signal comprising both the satellite signal and the cellularcommunication signal; amplifying the multiplexed signal; transmittingthe multiplexed signal comprising the satellite signal and the cellularcommunication signal to a set top box; receiving, by the coupling box, areturn set top box multiplexed signal comprising a return satellitesignal and a return cellular communication signal from the set top box;and decoupling the return set top box multiplexed signal into adecoupled signal separated into the return satellite signal and thereturn cellular communication signal for separate transmission over thesatellite dish and the cellular antenna.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the coupling box determines a proper channel for transmittingthe multiplexed signal.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the couplingbox performs down-converting of a frequency of the satellite signal anda frequency of the cellular communication signal.
 12. The method ofclaim 9, wherein the cellular antenna communicatively coupled to thecoupling box provides telephone service while the satellite dishprovides television service both of which are via the set top box. 13.The method of claim 9, wherein the coupling box transmits themultiplexed signal comprising both the satellite signal and the cellularcommunication signal to the set top box for de-multiplexing themultiplexed signal, the satellite signal of the multiplexed signal beingde-multiplexed to comprise television programming.
 14. The method ofclaim 9, wherein communications between the coupling box and the set topbox are bidirectional on a link.
 15. The method of claim 9, wherein theset top box transmits the return cellular communications signal forcellular communications to a content service provider via the cellularantenna.
 16. The method of claim 9, wherein the coupling box receivesbilling information from the set top box for transmission over thecellular antenna.
 17. A content communication system, comprising: asatellite dish; a cellular antenna; and a coupling box communicativelycoupled to the satellite dish and the cellular antenna, the coupling boxreceives a satellite signal from the satellite dish and a cellularcommunication signal from the cellular antenna; the coupling boxmultiplexes both the satellite signal and the cellular communicationsignal to generate a multiplexed signal comprising both the satellitesignal and the cellular communication signal; the coupling box amplifiesthe multiplexed signal; the coupling box transmits the multiplexedsignal comprising the satellite signal and the cellular communicationsignal to a set top box; the coupling box receives, from the set topbox, a return set top box multiplexed signal comprising a returnsatellite signal and a return cellular communication signal; and thecoupling box decouples the return set top box multiplexed signal into adecoupled signal separated into the return satellite signal and thereturn cellular communication signal for separate transmission over thesatellite dish and the cellular antenna.
 18. The system of claim 17,wherein the coupling box determines a proper channel for transmittingthe multiplexed signal.
 19. The system of claim 17, wherein the couplingbox performs down-converting of a frequency of the satellite signal anda frequency of the cellular communication signal.
 20. The system ofclaim 17, wherein the cellular antenna communicatively coupled to thecoupling box provides telephone service while the satellite dishprovides television service both of which are via the set top box.